Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated the upgraded administrative office building at Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in Odisha, as part of a wider infrastructure modernisation programme at the major eastern Indian gateway.
The administrative building façade upgrade involved an investment of ₹12.18 crore and includes improvements to parking and circulation facilities. The redevelopment of the 1980s-era building is aimed at improving functionality and supporting a more modern working environment at the port.
During his visit, Sonowal also interacted with students trained under the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Studies at the Paradip Port Authority’s New Boardroom. Discussions focused on developing industry-ready skills and expanding career opportunities for young people in India’s growing maritime sector.
The administrative building project was one of seven infrastructure projects worth ₹427.80 crore inaugurated by Sonowal at Paradip Port. The wider package covers navigation, connectivity, safety, sustainability, residential infrastructure and community development.
One of the key projects is a ₹352 crore capital dredging initiative, which has enabled Paradip Port to achieve an 18.5-metre deep-draft capability. This will allow fully laden Capesize vessels to enter the inner harbour, potentially improving economies of scale while reducing vessel turnaround times and logistics costs.
Other projects include a 500-metre, three-lane bridge, a sports hostel, a piped natural gas network for port township residents and an advanced Vessel Traffic Management and Information System. The PNG project is intended to provide cleaner and more continuous energy to residential quarters within the port township.
Sonowal also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects involving ₹1,580.36 crore. The projects are designed to increase cargo-handling capacity, improve operational efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times. Paradip Port is targeting full berth mechanisation by 2030.
The minister also marked an environmental milestone by planting Paradip Port’s one-millionth tree. The port authority said plantation activities have accelerated over the past four years, with nearly one lakh trees planted annually through the participation of employees, stakeholders and local communities.
The combined investments are expected to strengthen Paradip’s role as a major maritime gateway for eastern India, supporting trade, logistics, industrial activity and employment across the region.